Automobile lock



NOV. 14, 1933. A, w FARRELL 1,934,919

AUTOMOBILE LOCK Filed July 7, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet l 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 14, 1933 A. w. FARRELL AUTOMOBI LE LOCK Filed July 7, 1927 m u w 5 IMMUN Nov. 14, 1933. A. w. FARRELL 1,934,919

AUTOMOBILE LOCK Filed July '7, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 NOV. 14, 1933. w FARRELL 1,934,919

AUTOMOBILE LOCK Filed July 7. 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 uuwmm IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Patented Nov. 14, 1933 UNITED STATES AUTOMOBILE LOCK. I

Archie W. Farrell, Chicago, half to Edward L. Kulick,

L. Kulick, administrator Archie W. Farrell, sixth to Clara IlL, assignor of one- Chiea go, Ill., Edward de bonis non of said deceased, assignor of one- M. Farrell, individually, and

two-sixths to Clara M. Farrell, as guardian Application July 7, 1927. Serial No. 203,947

35 Claims.

My invention relates to automobile locks, and

more particularly to an improved type of ignition lock.

While I shall describe my invention as being particularly applicable to ignition locks of motor driven vehicles, it is to be understood that the invention need not be limited to such use solely.

Ignition locks commonly employed to lock the circuit in open position do not provide against shunting the circuit around the locking mechanism to the battery, in the event the wiring is out. There are but a few cases today where the thief attempts stealing a motor driven vehicle by operating or breaking the lock, inasmuch as it is exceedingly easy to cut and reconnect the wiring beyond the locking mechanism to provide a shunt connection. While armoured cables are provided in some instances to enclose and thereby protect the wiring, they are easily cut or destroyed and merely add to the cost of each installation.

My invention provides the usual key operated switch locking mechanism for locking the circuit in open position as heretofore.

My invention is, however, a radical departure from devices of the prior art in that it does not rely on the locking mechanism alonev to provide safety against unauthorized use of the car.

I prefer to provide the locking mechanism, incorporating the switch, as simple and compact as possible, and devoid of intricate mechanism .so that it may be made durable and offer maximum protection against unauthorized operation. To insure, however, against shunting of the circuit around the locking mechanism, it is broadly an object of my invention to provide means for rendering the circuit inoperative when the wiring of the circuit is tampered with, cut or mutilated in an attempt to establish switch of the lock mechanism.

More specifically, it is an object of my invention to provide electrically operated means for establishing a ground connection in the event an unauthorized attempt is made to shunt around the switch of the lock mechanism by tampering with the circuit wires. I have found that it is preferable in order to obtain maximum protection or safety, to provide such circuit protective means in close proximity to the distributor. Consequently, I contemplate providing the aforesaid electrically operated means for establishing a ground connection at the distributor and furnish a lock .which will prevent unauthorized removal of the distributor cap as well as unauthorized removal of the mounting means for the electrically operated grounding mechanism.

a shunt about the A furtherobject of my invention is to provide the usual flexible conduit between the locking mechanism on the dash board and the distributor, which cable is adapted to embody a plurality of false wires, the ignition wire anda live wire leading from the battery. By arranging the false wires as a normally open circuit and connecting the electrically operated grounding mechanism therein, any attempt to cut. or crush the cable will bring the live wire into contact with the false wires, thereby closing the circuit and establishing a ground connection for the ignition circuit.

A further advantage obtained by the use of a plurality of false wires, in the cable, which are connected to the electrically operated grounding mechanism, resides in the fact that any attempt to test the wires of the cable to determine the proper ignition wire will invariably result in closing the circuit for. establishing'a ground connection.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a distributor, illustrating the manner in which the switch grounding mechanism and distributor cap are effectively locked to thedistributor;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a wirin'gdiagram of a preferred form of circuit;

Fig. 4 is a view taken along Fig. 5 is a sectional detail line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the relay mounting;

Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view. of the switch locking mechanism located on the dash board of the automobile;

Fig. 8 illustrates the manner'of attaching the casing housing the electrically operated grounding mechanism and securing a guard over the casing to cover the fastening means thereof, as well as about the distributor cap to prevent an unauthorized removal thereof;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the guard;

Figs. 10 and 11 are detailviews of portions of line 4-4 of Fig. 1; view taken along the mechanism for establishing a ground connection;

Fig. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 13 illustrates another alternative form of the invention;

Fig. 14 is a section taken on line 14-14 of Fig. 13 looking in the direction of the arrows; and

Fig. 15 is a wiring diagram of this alternative embodiment of the invention.

My invention comprises essentially a lock switch operated by a key 11 and an ignition circuit including a wire 12, a battery wire 13 and a magnet 14, including a grounded wire 15 and a wire 16 divided into a plurality of open leads 17, 18 and 19. Wire 12 is connected to a distributor 20. The ignition system is completed through a ground wire 21 and a ground connection 22 at one end of a battery 24. Wires 12 and 13 are connected to switch 10 at terminals 26 and 25, respectively. A third terminal 27 is adapted to receive a wire 28, which may lead to any point on the vehicle to which current may be fed. These terminals are mounted in a plate 29 (Fig. '7) suitably secured in one end of a cylindrical housing 30 of the locking mechanism 10. Housing 30 accommodates the usual lock cylinder 31. Terminal plugs 25, 26 and 2'7 project through plate 29, having at their opposite ends spring pressed terminal pins 32, which are adapted to be engaged by a movable contact 33 embedded, as illustrated in Fig. '7, in a rotatable mounting 34, carried at the inner end of cylinder 31.

When the ignition circuit is closed, the contact 33 is in the position illustrated in Figs. 3 and 7. Current will flow from battery 24 through wire 13, terminal 25, movable switch contact 33 and thence to each of terminals 26 and 27, to feed current to wire 28 and wire 12 leading to distributor 20.

It will be observed that an open lead 35, connected to terminal 25, lies parallel to wire 12 and false wires 1'7, 18 and 19. When wires 12, 1'7, 18 and 19, and the wire 35 are embodied in a cable, cutting the cable or removing the insulation from the wires, will cause the wire 35 to contact with any or all of wires 17, 18 and 19. Wire 35 is a live wire at all times, irrespective of the position of movable switch plate 33, because such wiring 35 is directly connected to battery wire 13 as illustrated in Fig. 3.

Such contact of wire 35 with either or all of false wires 17, 18 and 19 completes the circuit of relay 14 through the grounding connections 15 and 22. A fiow of current through relay 14 functions to move its armature 36 downwardly. Armature 36 comprises two parts, namely, a strip of insulation 3'1 normally contacting with a spring trip 38 and a constantly grounded arm 39 pivoted at 40' to a grounded frame 41. Grounded frame 41 is grounded at 42 by means of a wire 43. It will be more clearly observed, hereinafter, that spring trip 38 is electrically connected in the ignition circuit through wire 12.

It will be observed, therefore, that operation of relay 14 draws its armature 36 downwardly to bring grounded arm 39 into contact with spring trip 38 to cause the ignition circuit to be grounded at 42. The result of this action is that it will be further impossible to shunt the circuit to the battery 24 in order to nullify the locking effect of the mechanism herein provided. Any number of false wires may be provided for the relay circuit in the cable enclosing the same and connecting to the locking mechanism 10, but the eilect is to cause the wire 35 to accidently contact with either of the false wires thus provided. Assume, however, that a portion of the outside covering, of the cable has been removed and the wires are exposed for a considerable distance toward the lock mechanisin 10. Access to the connections at this mechanism 13 will be prevented by an armour tube securely attached to cylindrical housing 30 at the cable end. Armour tube 45 extends along cable 46 a sufficient distance to act as a protective means which prevents unraveling of the insulation or cutting of the cable at the switch terminals. Should the wires be exposed, however, as just explained, it will be impossible to determine which wire is the distributor wire 12 leading to the distrib or. Experiments have indicated that it vei i cly for a person accidentally to choose dis iicutor wire 12 before choosing either of the wires .17, 13 and 19. Once either of the wires 17, 18 and 19 are connected to the battery circuit, relay 14 operates to ground the ignition circuit at 43. First testing the wires thus chosen to determine whether a spark is given when the engine is turned over will be of no at il because this also causes the relay 14 to ground the circuit if any of wires 17, 18 or 19 are chosen.

Any suitable mechanism may be employed for carry 1g out my invention. I prefer, however, as illustrated in the dra ngs, to embody relay 14 in housing 59 which adapted to be fastened against a fiat extension 51 on distributor 20. The out Eace 5 extension 51 is furnished with a 'c J of slots: which are adapted to receive extension. lugs 54 on housing 50. After lugs 54 are aligned and in" rted to cooperate with slots screws 56 serted at 57 in housing and threaded into .ps in extension 51.

One of res of myinvention is to provicle a guard 60 which is adapted to slip downwardly over cap 61 of distributor 20, and also over the outer face of housing 50, to conceal the heads of screws 36. thereby preventing their unauthorised removal. To prevent the unauthorised removal guard CO, I have provided a key locking mocha..- I. 63, illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, which is ad otcd to engage a locking lug 64 e:-;-- tending downwardly 1'1: n the guard 60 through an openin 05 in the upper face of housing 50, illustra in A key 66 operates locking mechanism 63, so that removal of guard 60 is possible only when the proper key 66 is employed.

Guard 60 is provided in the form of a band 67 adapted to fit about distributor 20 to prevent removal of cap 61 by preventing the tips 130 of spring clips 131 from being sent back sufficiently to clear lugs 132. Guard 60 is also provided with housing 68 integrally formed with band 6'7, which housing is open at the bottom and formed so that it may slip downwardly over the outer and upper faces of housing 50 and a portion of the vertical sides.

it will be observed, therefore, that it is impossible to gain to the circuit at or beyond relay 14, at distributor 20 so as to establish a shunt around the ground connection established by this relay.

It is a novel feature of this invention to embody relay 14 in a housing secured directly to timerdistributor housing 20.

Relay 14 may be mounted on a U-shaped frame 41 secured to the back wall of housing 50 by means of a rivet '71 passing through an extension 72 formed as part of frame 41. Fig. 6, the core 73 of relay 14 is reduced at '74 to pass through a collar 75 of insulation and to receive a lock nut '7 6 at its lower threaded end. A sheet of insulation '77 is placed in the lower portion of the U of frame 41 to permit spring trip 38 As illustrated in 36 is suitably pivoted at 40, as hereinbefore explained, to one of the legs of the U-frame 41. As illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11, the armature comprises a metal plate 39 having turned-over arms 79 to look a strip of insulation 37 thereto. Such strip 37 is formed with an outwardly-projecting lug 80 which normally engages the spring trip 38 to prevent grounding contact between the metal plate 39 of the armature and the spring trip 38. A' coil spring 81 about the pivot 40 normally urges armature 36 upwardly. When current flows through the relay circuit, the downward attraction of armature 36 overcomes the action of spring 81 and causes the lug 80 to engage in a slot 82 in spring trip 38, thereby locking the armature downwardly and permanently establishing a ground connection by bringing plate 39 into contact with spring trip 38. The purpose of this interlocking action of the armature 36 and spring trip 38 is to prevent breaking of the ground connection after either or all of the wires 17, 18 and 19 are once brought into contact with the live wire 35. What is accomplished is the immediate establishing of a permanent ground connection in the event either of wires 1'7, 18 or 19 is momentarily brought into contact with the current supply. 1

An inertia balance 110 is furnished at the end of armature plate 39 beyond the pivotal mounting 40 to insure against vibration accidentally causing lug 80 to snap into engagement with opening 82. This balance may be held suspended adjacent one tained in place by a strap 111 secured to the frame.

Spring trip 38 is connected in the ignition circuit, as illustrated in Fig. 4, by wire 12 being soldered at 85 to the base portion of this spring trip. The wire 12 is then continued, to connect with the primary circuit terminal 86 disposed on the front face 52 of extension 51 mounted on the distributor, this being illustrated in Fig. 8. Wires 17, 18 and 19 connect to a terminal 87 suitably insulated from frame 41 by a sheet of insulation 88. Wire 16 extends-from terminal 87 to the winding of relay 14. The opposite end of the winding of relay 14 is grounded through its reduced end 74, lock nut 76, which engages the frame 41, as shown in Fig. 6.

The locking mechanism 63 for locking the armour guard about the distributor and housing 50 of the electrically operated grounding mechanism comprises a lock cylinder 90 suitably mounted in housing 50 as illustrated in Fig. 4. The inner end of cylinder 90 is adapted to operate a pivoted arm 91, the upper end of which arm is formed into a hook 92 which swings into engagement with the downwardly projecting lug 64 of the armour guard 60. This lug passes through an opening in housing 50 and lies under the hook 92 when it is swung into locked position. A spring 93 functions to maintain book 92 in locking engagement with lug 64.

Cable 46 enters housing 50 through an armour sleeve 94 suitably attached to housing 50 at one side. It will be observed by referring to Fig. 4 that it is impossible to gain access to these wires within the housing by cutting away the insulation of cable 46.

In Fig. 12 I have shown an alternative embodiment of .my invention. The electrically operof the legs of frame 41 and main ated grounding mechanism, as above explained, may be embodiedin a boss 100 integrally formed with base portion 101 of distributor 20. In this v form of invention, guard 60 may be eliminated. A guard plate 102 is substituted, however, Within the base portion 101 of the distributor. Such guard plate 102 is slidable over the movable contact arm 103 and prevents access to those parts of the distributor, by which short-circuitingof the locking mechanism or the ground connection established by relay 14 can be accomplished. Look 90 may be arranged to operate a locking lug 104 which moves to engage in a slot 105 formed in plate 102. It will be possible to remove plate 102 to repair the distributor, when necessary, only when the proper key 66 is had to'operate lock 90. In the alternative form illustrated in Figs. 13 to-15, inclusive, I contemplate employing a second relay 115 adapted to actuate an armature'116 serving as a latch 11'? to engage lug 64 and lock guard 60 in position. This construction is simpler and less expensive, and is inoperative to release latch 117 from lug 64 when the ignition circuit is open or grounded- I It will be observed that the circuit of this relay is connected byawire 118 to wire l2and is grounded at 119. In order to gain authorized access to the interior of timer-distributor casing 20 and housing 50, any suitable form of switch 120, say, of the push button type may be inserted in this circuit to operate relay 115, but only when the ignition circuit is closed by the proper key 11 at switch locking mechanism 10. Normally, a spring 121 holds latch 117 in engagement. with lug 64, but the action. of this spring is readily overcome by relay 115 drawing armature 116 toward it when the circuit is closed. By referring to Figs. 13 and 14, it will be observed that a bracket 122 is provided within housingv 50, which bracket may be fastened to the upper and lower walls. Bracket 122 is cut away at 123 to accommodate relay 115 and receives in pivotal rerelation armature 116 so that it may lie above the core of the relay. Spring 121 may be suitably connected at any point on this bracket.

In the event the ignition circuit is grounded by the operation of relay 14, his impossible to. operate relay 115 to release latch 117 from lug 64 so as to gain access to the interior of distributor 20.

or housing 50. Thus, this mechanism provides a double safety against the theft of the vehicle. If. the proper key 11 is not obtainable, it is practically impossible to close the ignition circuit properly, without grounding the circuit and thereby rendering the locking mechanism wholly inoperative.

I believe that I am the first to suggest establishing a permanent ground for the ignition circuit in the event an unauthorized attempt is made to shunt the circuit locking-mechanism, and accordingly shall claim the same broadly.

I also believe that I am the first to suggest providing a lock to prevent access to the distributor which can be operated only when the ignition circuit is properly closed.

I do not intend being limited to the details of construction herein shown and described, as. various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim: 1

1. In an ignition system, a distributona sole noid, a housing adjacent to said distributor for said solenoid, and a normally grounded armature associated with said solenoid and adapted to be operated thereby to introduce a ground at said distributor.

2. An ignition lock including mechanism for locking an ignition circuit in open position, means operable to establish a ground, and means operable simultaneously to prevent unauthorized access to said grounding means.

3. In an ignition system, the combination of a distributor, a burglar-proof housing adapted to fit against said distributor, a guard for surrounding said distributor and said housing whereby to prevent unauthorized removal of said housing from said distributor.

4. A lock for controlling the circuit leading to a distributor of an ignition system including a burglarproof housing on said distributor, means for securing said housing to said distributor, and a guard mounted on said distributor and said housing to prevent unauthorized removal of said housing.

5. A look for controlling the circuit leading to a distrbutor of an ignition system including a burglarproof housing on said distributor, means for securing said housing to said distributor, and a guard for preventing unauthorized access to said distributor and removal of said housing.

6. In an ignition system, a distributor, the combination of a lock for the ignition circuit, a cable between said lock and said distributor, said cable including the ignition wire, a plurality of false wires and an open live wire, and means operable to establish a ground connection in the ignition circuit upon contact of either of said false wires with said open live wire.

7. In an ignition system, a switch for controlling the ignition circuit, means for establishing a ground connection in said ignition circuit, and a plurality of false wires adapted to cause actuation of said grounding means when either of said false wires are connected to a source of current supply.

8. In an ignition system, a distributor, the combination of a switch for the ignition circuit, a cable between said switch and said distributor, said cable including the ignition wire, a false wire and an open live wire, and means disposed at said distributor operable to establish a ground connection at said distributor upon contact of said false wire with said open live wire.

9. In an ignition system, a distributor, the combination of a switch for the ignition circuit, a cable between said switch and said distributor, said cable including an ignition wire, a false wire and an open live wire, and electromagnetic means operable to establish a ground connection in the ignition circuit upon contact of said false wire with said open live wire.

10. In an ignition system, a switch for controlling the ignition circuit, electrically operated means for establishing a ground connection in said ignition circuit, and a false wiring adapted to cause actuation of said electrically operated means when said false wiring is connected to a source of current supply.

11. In an ignition system, a switch for controlling the ignition circuit, a distributor, electromagnetic means for establishing a ground connection in said ignition circuit at said distributor, and a plurality of false wires adapted to cause actuation of said electromagnetic means when either or all of said false wires are connected to a source of current supply.

12. In an ignition system, a switch for controlling the ignition circuit, a distributor, and

means for establishing a ground connection in the ignition circuit including an open grounded wire, an electromagnet connected therein and a finger normally connected in the ignition circuit and resiliently held out of grounding contact with said open groundedwire until released by actuation of said electromagnet whereby to ground said ignition circuit, said electromagnet being actuated upon contact of said open grounded wire with a source of current supply.

13. In an ignition system, a switch for controlling the ignition circuit, a distributor, and means for establishing a ground connection in the ignition circuit at said distributor including an open grounded wire having an clectromagnet connected therein and a grounded armature therefor, a, resilient finger normally connected in said ignition circuit and held out of contact with said grounded armature, said electromagnet being actuated upon a flow of current through said open wire whereby said finger is released and brought into contact with said grounded armature to ground said ignition circuit.

14. In an ignition circuit, a distributor, a lock switch for. opening and closing the ignition circuit, electrically operated means for normally preventing access to the interior of said distributor, and a second switch for connecting said electrically operated means in said circuit to provide access to said distributor only when the circuit is closed by said lock switch.

15. In an ignition system, a switch for controlling the ignition circuit, a distributor, a housing, means for attaching said housing to said distributor, means disposed in said housing for grounding said ignition circuit, and means operable to prevent unauthorized removal of said attaching means when said ignition circuit is grounded.

16. In an ignition circuit, a remotely controlled lock switch for opening and closing said circuit, a distributor, a cap for said distributor, a burglar proof guard for holding said cap in locked position on said distributor, a releasable latch for normally preventing unauthorized removal of said burglar proof guard, and electromagnetic means operably connected in said circuit to release said latch when said circuit is closed.

17. In an ignition circuit, a switch for controlling said circuit, a distributor, a cap for said distributor, locking means for normally holding said cap in locked position on said distributor, and means for rendering said locking means inoperative to prevent removal of said cap when said circuit is open.

18. In an ignition circuit, a switch for controlling said circuit, a distributor, a cap for said distributor, locking means for normally holding said cap in locked position on said distributor, electromagnetic means connected in said circuit toactuate said locking means when said circuit is closed, and a switch for said electromagnetic means.

19. In an ignition circuit, a switch for controlling said circuit, means for grounding said circuit when said switch is in open position, a distributor, a cap therefor, locking means for normally holding said cap in locked position on said distributor, and electrically operated means actuating said locking means to release said cap when said switch is in closed position, said electrically operated means being connected in said circuit whereby to be rendered inoperative to prevent actuation of said locking means and removal of said cap when'said circuit is grounded.

20. A device for controlling through the ignition circuit the operation ofan internal come bustion engine, comprisinga breaker arm and contacts controlled thereby, a magnet, and a normally grounded armature arranged to ground the ignition circuit-when operated by said solenoid.

21. A device for controlling through the ignitioncircuit the operation of an internal combustion engine, said device comprising, in combination, a breaker arm and contacts controlled thereby, a housing and a cover therefor enclosing said breaker arm and said contacts, a solenoid, a grounded armature arranged for. operation by said solenoid to introduce a ground in said ignition circuit, and means operable upon grounding of said ignition circuit to prevent removal of said cover.

22. Theft preventing apparatus for automabiles comprising, in combination, an ignition timer having a housing enclosing timer contacts, a conduit enclosing current conducting means, said conduit being attached at one end to said timer, a key controlled device at the opposite end of said conduit for normally controlling the circuit of said timer contacts through said current conducting means, and electrical means for establishing a ground connection in the circuit by a cutting of said current conducting means.

23. Theft preventing apparatus for automobiles comprising, in combination, an ignition timer, a conduit extending therefrom with current conducting means therein, loclr mechanism at the other end of said conduit for locking the circuit open, and electrical means for establishing a ground for said timer by a cutting of said current conducting means in said conduit.

24. An ignition lock including mechanism for locking an ignition circuit in open position, means operable to establish a ground connection, and means operable to prevent unauthorized access to said grounding means. 1

25. Theft preventing apparatus for automo biles comprising, in combination, a timer of an ignition circuit having circuit controlling mechanism and a cover for enclosing said mechanism within said timer, a housing adjacent to said timer, means in said housing for rendering said circuit controlling mechanism in said timer inoperative, and a protective guard substantially encircling said timer and cover and said housing for locking said cover and said housing to said timer for preventing unauthorized access either to said circuit controlling mechanism or to said means.

26. Theft preventing apparatus for automobiles comprising, in combination, a timer of an ignition circuit having a circuit making and breaking contactor arm within and a distributor head therefor, a housing adjacent to said timer adapted to contain therein means for rendering the operation of said contactor arm ineffective to control said ignition circuit, means for attaching said housing to said timer, and protective means for concealing said attaching means to prevent unauthorized removal of said housing.

27. Theft preventing apparatus for automobiles comprising, in combination, timer of an ignition circuit having timer contacts and a dis tributor head therefor, a housing adjacent to said timer adapted to contain therein means for rendering the operation of said timer contacts ineffective to control said ignition circuit. means for attaching said housing to said. timer, and

protective means for preventing removal of said attaching means. 7

.23. Theft preventing apparatus for automobiles comp "ising, in combination, atimer of an ignition circuit having contacts therein for the normal control of said circuit and a cover for enclosing said contacts within said timer, a housing adjacent to said timer adapted to contain therein means for rendering the operation of said timer contacts ineffective to control said ignition circuit, means for attaching said housing to said timer, protective means operable to prevent unauthorized removal of said cover or said housing, and 2 cans disposed in said housing for controlling said protective means.

29. Theft preventing apparatus for automobiles comprising, in combination, a timer of an ignition circuit having contacts therein for the normal control of said circuit and a cover enclosing said contacts within said timer, a housing adjacent to said timer adapted to contain therein means for rendering the operation of said timer contacts ineffective to tective means operable to lock said cover against removal, said contacts being thereby protected against unauthorized access to prevent an attempt to defeat the eifective operation of said means said housing, and mechanism in said housing for controlling said protective means.

30. Theft preventing apparatus for automobiles comprising, in combination, timer-distributor mechanism of an ignition circuit including timer make and break contacts, a cover plate separating the timer the distributor, means for disabling the circuit, and means for securing said cover plate against removal whereby to prevent unauthorized access to said contacts.

31. Theft preventing apparatus for automobiles comprising, in combination, an ignition timer having a housing enclosing timer contacts, a plate disposed in said housing above said timer, contacts, and means for disabling the circuit of said contacts and for securing said plate against removal whereby to prevent access to said contacts.

32. Theft preventing. apparatus for automobiles comprising, in combination, an ignition timer having a cup-shaped housing enclosing timer contacts, a cover for the housing, a distributor head enclosing the cover, a key controlled device having a member movable within the housing, means cooperating with said member for locking the cover to the housing, and means for rendering the ignition timer inoperative.

33. Theft preventing apparatus for automobiles comprising, in combination, an ignition timer having a housing containing the electrical parts of the timer, burglar-proof means rendering said electrical parts normally inoperative, a protective guard element above said electrical parts,

said protective guard element tending to defeat control said ignition circuit, prof comprising, in'combination, an ignition timer,

having a housing containing the electrical parts of the timer, burglar-proof means rendering said electrical parts normally inoperative, a protective guard element and means for securing said guard element in said housing to defeat attempts to restore said electrical parts to their normally operative status when so rendered inoperative,

trolling the circuit located at a point remote from the timer, current conducting means between the timer and the lock-controlled device, a connection between the current conducting means and the terminal, and a housing for said connection locked against unauthorized removal to prevent unauthorized access to said connection. ARCHIE W. FARRELL. 

